The Hunas invasion during the Gupta era marked a tumultuous period in Indian history as these nomadic Central Asian tribes, known as Huns, poured down from the steppes and left a lasting impact on the subcontinent. The invasions, characterized by their brutality and conquests, were a pivotal chapter that shaped the political landscape of ancient India.
1. Huna Tribes and Directions
Northern Huna (Black Huna): Emerging from Central Asia, the Northern Huna, also known as the Black Huna, took a northward trajectory.
Southern Huna (Red Huna): Venturing southward, the Southern Huna, or Red Huna, spread their influence in the Indian subcontinent.
Eastern Huna (Celestial Hunas): The Eastern Huna, Celestial Hunas, moved eastwards, impacting regions beyond the heartland.
Western Huna (White Hunas): The Western Huna, or White Hunas, directed their course towards the western territories.
2. Historical Roots and Migration
Mention in Mahabharata: The Huna tribes found their earliest mention in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata, indicating their presence in ancient Indian texts.
Polyandry Practices: The Huna tribes, including Sakas, Yavanas, and others, were labeled as Malechhas in the Mahabharata, and the practice of polyandry was reportedly common among them.
3. Westward Movement and Persian Impact
Divided Streams: The Huna tribes divided into two major streams—one towards the Oxus Valley and the other towards the Volga River, influencing Europe.
Sassanid Persia: The Huna impact reached Persia, where they attacked Sassanid King Peroz I, capturing and killing him.
4. Toramana: The White Huna King
Invasion of Gandhara: Around 500 AD, Huna chieftain Ramanila conquered Gandhara, paving the way for the consolidation of Huna power in Punjab under Toramana.
Feudal Structure Facilitating Conquest: Toramana’s invasion of the Gupta Empire, possibly with the assistance of Harigupta, exploited the feudal structure of the administration.
5. Mihirkula: The Huna Tyrant
Anti-Buddhist Policies: Mihirkula, succeeding Toramana, was known for his cruelty and anti-Buddhist policies, leading to the destruction of temples and monasteries.
Conflict with Gupta King: Narsimhgupta Baladityaraja II, a devout Buddhist, confronted Mihirkula with the support of Yasodharman of Malwa.
Defeat and Downfall: Yasodharman defeated Mihirkula, allowing him refuge in Kashmir, where he met his demise, marking the end of White Hunas in India (528 AD).
6. Yasodharman and Gupta Decline
Mandsor and Bijaygarh Inscriptions: Yasodharman, credited with checking Huna expansion, is known through inscriptions in Mandsor and Bijaygarh.
Swift Appearance and Disappearance: Yasodharman’s swift rise and disappearance around 540 AD coincided with the Gupta Empire’s decline.
7. Huna Invasions on Gupta India
First Major Invasion (458 AD): The Hunas invaded in 458 AD during the reign of Skandagupta, leading to Gothic wars and a subsequent repulsion by Skandagupta.
Second Invasion (Around 470 AD): After Skandagupta’s death, Mihirkula led a second invasion, overthrowing the Gupta Empire temporarily. His defeat by Yasodharman marked the collapse of Huna power in India.
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